Starship Trooper (Yessongs version) [Archive]

Yesgrrrl

08-09-2002, 05:38 AM

Originally posted by jack gowen
The one Yes song (from Yessongs) that I'd want to have if stuck on a desert island. Brilliant is an understatement.

A 10 from me.....

I wholeheartedly agree! ST is AMAZING.....and I don't really care what version (although this one is the one I listen to) This song is an example of Yes in their prime, at their best.....I am not too picky......Yes...is Yes eh?

Grrrl

Flo

08-09-2002, 05:46 AM

It's probably the best version of Starship Trooper I've heard. It's great !

Jackaranda

09-03-2002, 03:08 PM

Originally posted by Flo
It's probably the best version of Starship Trooper I've heard. It's great !

The night in 1975 that I became a Yes fan forever,it was when I heard, for the 1st time, All Good People from that album. It blew me away as no song ever had.

The next song I heard was Starship Trooper. It was even better!!! I couldn't believe what I was hearing. This was music from heaven!!!

I can never say enough about Yessongs and it's best track, Starship Trooper. It's by far the best version, and just an amazing piece of work.

The music gods were really blessing this band...Jack.

SEYYES

09-13-2002, 05:18 PM

there is a weird spot on Trooper where Anderson's voice cracks at a crucial point and it is weakly overdubbed.....anyone notice?

justyes

12-03-2004, 10:35 AM

10 10 10 10 10 10!!!!! It's always great.

ANTIOCH

12-03-2004, 10:45 AM

there is a weird spot on Trooper where Anderson's voice cracks at a crucial point and it is weakly overdubbed.....anyone notice?

Yes. That's why I gave it a 9. Not perfect (because of this) but otherwise a stellar version (and my fav as well).

Jackaranda

12-03-2004, 12:41 PM

The one Yes song (from Yessongs) that I'd want to have if stuck on a desert island. Brilliant is an understatement.

I second that! (2 years later doesn't change a thing).

Orbert

12-03-2004, 02:08 PM

I went with a 9 out of 10, only because of the less-than-pristine sound quality. The performance itself is terrific.

gathernear

12-03-2004, 05:27 PM

Astounding. Steve was so aggressive in those days. And Rick's sounds were never better. I don't think they ever played it live until Alan joined the band, but I could be wrong about that.

Larry

allpurechance

12-11-2004, 01:36 AM

... I had heard this version before I ever even knew the song was Yes.Later I discovered it on The Yes Album,and THAT was magic!Then,LATER(!LOL...1973,whatta year!)I REdiscovered the tune on Yessongs.Wow!Yep,amazing!So gave it a 10.However(there's always a qualifier,ya know?lol)-28 years later,my two sons' 1st ever rock concert-Yessymphonic tour,Saratoga Performing Arts Center,Upstate NY-the absolute highlight of the show,and the best version of Starship Trooper I have ever heard-Toweringly Climactic!!My sons were(lemme see now,*counting fingers* here,lmao)-13 & 10 at the time.I had prepared them a little for what they were about to see that night,but NOTHING could prepare them for the sound of Chris' bass coming up OUT of the GROUND and thumping us ALL in the chest as he soloed in Wurm(that FIRST note!!!),and NOTHING could've prepared even I for the almost apocalyptic guitar solo Steve rendered that night to wind Wurm up.My youngest began dervishing about the lawn seating adrenally,shouting to perfect strangers the following letters: " W - U - R - M -...WURM!!!"(he takes after his dad a little...[!]...)That night,that song was the only time(and shamefully so, too,for Close To The Edge,Ritual & Gates were all sterling!) every soul in the gathering rose to their feet.There was no denying it at that moment,for anyone there.Once again(& here I shake 'my head and smile a whisper knowing all about the place'),Yes were--The Finest Live Band On The Planet,Ever...(once again!lol!)

12-11-2004, 01:50 AM

This version is my absolute favorite of Trooper, to the point that all other recorded versions sound "wrong" to me.

Yessongs is my favorite live album ever, but none of the versions of the other songs make me rule out all others like ST.

rickweber

12-11-2004, 09:18 AM

I agree with everyone - the Yessongs version of Starship Trooper rules. The studio version is beautiful, but there's something about the energy of a live recording - especially Yes - it's fantastic!! I remember on the Big Generator tour they played Wurm. Kind of like Trevors tribute to Steve. It was great!!

slazman

12-12-2004, 01:20 AM

A TEN it is. If only for the sound of Chris's bass ... reminds me of seeing this live and the way he comes right to the front and plays to the crowd. A live album is seldom the best version of a Band's music but Yessongs is the number one exception ... and it was my first Yes love.

Jackaranda

01-22-2005, 05:02 PM

Astounding. Steve was so aggressive in those days. And Rick's sounds were never better. I don't think they ever played it live until Alan joined the band, but I could be wrong about that.

Larry

And Alan also helped make it a great song on that album.

Symbol

01-22-2005, 05:08 PM

agreed... the finest recorded version of this song we have!

Vic W.

01-26-2005, 01:48 AM

Great to hear Yessongs getting it's props here. For me there are a lot of songs whose best version is on this album... All Good People, The Fish, YIND, and especially Perpetual Change and Close to the Edge.

If I had to pick ONE desert island song it would have to be the Yessongs Close to the Edge. Stunning guitar, bass, keyboards, and drum performances on that masterpiece.

But, how could I live with only one desert island song? I'd need four - Perpetual Change, YIND, and Starship Trooper, too...

yarstruly

02-03-2005, 10:06 AM

I gave it a 9 , only because the IS a version I like a little better...The 12/97 weed from Universal Amphitheater in LA....

Hacman

02-03-2005, 10:39 AM

It gets a 10 from me. Yessongs was my 1st Yes album. I assumed that most of the solos at the end were Wakeman, because I had never heard a guitarist play that way before (electric, non-blues-based and amazingly fast). When I saw them live in the next few months - I realised that it was Howe playing most of those bits and I was just blown away. The musical "duel" with Wakeman makes it much better than the version on the Yes Album, IMO. I was thrilled when they performed it at Jones Beach last year, with the same lineup I saw 30 years ago and it was the highlight of the show for me (And You and I a close 2nd)

jimmygtr

02-03-2005, 10:51 AM

Because of production quality I gave it a 9, but to be honest, Rick's moog solo at the end easily makes it an 11!

rabinmovies

02-03-2005, 11:46 AM

Best version ever of starship has got to be the 9012live version. So exiciting towards the end when it goes into double time and trev and chris go nuts together.

Jubei_ninpucho

02-11-2005, 06:02 AM

The best version in my opinion is the "Keys to Ansencion" version

It is four minutes longer and the solo in the end is mindblowingly cool

Hammerhead

03-01-2005, 11:36 PM

That may be the version I've been looking for. I have a live version taped off a radio station that hosted the King Biscuit and stupid me left my only copy in the tape deck when I sold my car.

I think I heard a 12 on a 1978 Tormato show broadcast on King Biscuit Flower Hour....

Topographic][Sardaukar

03-02-2005, 01:27 PM

Steve's solo on this version lack direction for me. Sure, Steve is so fluid, peeling from one lick to another, but the Keys version builds and builds, almost like his solo is going through different movements... tons of variation in style, till it's just flying at the end. Keys is a ten, this is an 8.

Suntower Asking

03-02-2005, 03:35 PM

there is a weird spot on Trooper where Anderson's voice cracks at a crucial point and it is weakly overdubbed.....anyone notice?

I cringe at that note everytime but im back on board again about a second later for the big ending. The greatest Howe solo ever. its just so dirty it makes me feel naughty.

Its funny because now Jon probably sings it better than steve can play it.
Not that there is anything wrong with steve mind you.

Trooper Jim

03-24-2005, 12:42 AM

Yessongs is indeed a great album. But the only thing that spoils it is the murky sound quality.

03-24-2005, 01:55 AM

I prefer The Yes Album.

The flute line just before the first "Speak to me of summer ..." is missing and is done by guitar. I don't care for that at all. They had a mellotron that they could have used. I think to this day they stilldo it this way. I don't know why.

As for Wurm, I never cared for jams. This is no exception. I never understood the attraction.

Topographic][Sardaukar

03-24-2005, 10:11 AM

As for Wurm, I never cared for jams. This is no exception. I never understood the attraction.

I'm not really a jam fan myself but I just admire Steve's solos so much I can't help but love it. I never can really understand what he's playing. It's easy for me to emulate Wakeman's wurm stuff, like playing the major arpeggios with the chord changes and sometimes throw in the blues scale stuff like he did this tour but Steve's defies definition for me. I can't even begin to play something so inspired and original. Steve has the rare knack of taking even a major scale and making it sound out of this world.

I think of all the people I've heard solo here: Rick Wakeman, Tom Brislin, Adam Wakeman, John Petrucci, Wakeman's "NERE" guitarist, Chris Squire lol, Trevor Rabin, Igor Koreschev, Patrick Moraz and I'm sure others but Steve is lightyears ahead of them all.

cinderella

03-24-2005, 10:15 AM

Best version ever of starship has got to be the 9012live version. So exiciting towards the end when it goes into double time and trev and chris go nuts together.

I really liked that version too. (Of course you knew I would.)
I didn't think anyone else would even dream of mentioning that one. :D

As for Wurm, I never cared for jams. This is no exception. I never understood the attraction.

I don't like when they jam either. Trevor always said that was a good way to write a song, to just get together and jam, but I've always found it annoying.

crotale2112

03-24-2005, 10:58 AM

I find wurm to be riveting at times depending on the recording. I am a huge fan of the mini moog and knowing how to solo with one is an art form. I love the moog solo in the live starship trooper version, it kicks ass.

One of my all time favorite wurm moog solos was on a bootleg I had called "In the round".
I think it was from the tormoto tour. An amazing moog solo....wow.....

Jackaranda

03-24-2005, 11:03 AM

I really liked that version too. (Of course you knew I would.)
I didn't think anyone else would even dream of mentioning that one. :D

I don't like when they jam either. Trevor always said that was a good way to write a song, to just get together and jam, but I've always found it annoying.

The 9012Live version is great. And that IS quite a jam they have the last what, 7 or 8 minutes?

Nes

03-24-2005, 04:28 PM

I don't like the yessongs version as much. I personally feel as if the sound quality and the horrible echo on Anderson's voice (and the crack) killed that song (which I loved so much in the studio version).

I also prefer the fingerpicking part (Disillusion) is much better when played on an accoustic.

Also, I HATE the moog solo at the end of it....

But the guitar... That's the only reason I give it an 8. It's so clear and not buried underneath layers of the bass and Anderson's voice. Also the solo is fantastic in this version simply because it doesn't fade out... I think they should've done that with the studio version of the song... Meh.

CybrKhatru

05-25-2005, 12:15 PM

I think I heard a 12 on a 1978 Tormato show broadcast on King Biscuit Flower Hour....

That may be the version I've been looking for. I have a live version taped off a radio station that hosted the King Biscuit and stupid me left my only copy in the tape deck when I sold my car.

Yep...that's my "10" version.. the great Wembley 78. I love the Yessongs version but I had to give it a 9 compared to Wembley.

---Matt :headset: :headset:

allpurechance

05-25-2005, 12:59 PM

Yes,a 10,lol

Yet the studio version!The "shimmer" of it!Steve and Tony and Chris...and Bill...those wonderful toms!Jon!It ....positively shimmers!

And I've heard alot of "10" versions of Starship,too!

CybrKhatru

05-25-2005, 02:44 PM

Since Anastasia has been so fond of Starship Trooper (and particularly Wurm), she has talked about making a Wurm CD....
yep, you read that right...an 80 minute Wurm, from the Studio recording, and various live ones.
Maybe when we get done moving she'll do it..! LOL...

I think if she had to pick a favorite Wurm it'd probably be the one from ABWH...Great Woods, Mansfield MA 8/6/89! But I know she loves the Yessongs version too...

--Matt

steve4001

05-25-2005, 03:14 PM

Yep...that's my "10" version.. the great Wembley 78.

I agree, Wembley 78 is my "10" too - A stunning performance. Wakeman's work on that recording still sends shivers down my spine.

Sound Chaser 7490

05-25-2005, 08:01 PM

Haven't heard the Yessongs version, but I'll sure as hell make sure to. The original studio version is a 9.5/10, so I voted for "10" in this poll.

Sound Chaser 7490

05-25-2005, 08:03 PM

...and if I wasn't such a jackass I would have noticed that it's the Yessongs version we're supposed to be rating. Oh well.

SonicDeath10

05-30-2005, 11:53 PM

it's pretty great, the way the wurm section keeps it's intensity.

Joe

06-09-2005, 09:26 AM

That's one of my favorite's. I remember when it came out, and was a little (littler!) punk. I used to love playing the Wurm on keys in my room. My mom hated it. I always over did it on volume!........Man! Those were good dayz!

earthskyduality

06-09-2005, 09:29 AM

Starship Trooper was probably the first song by Yes that really grabbed me way back in the 70's. The Yessongs live version probably has a little more raw power than the sudio while the studio version is a little smoother. Both versions are just a joy to listen to. I think that ST is Yes at the top of their form. I like the fusion of earthy, organic themes with the imagery of space travel in the lyrics(Sister bluebird, flying high above. Spread your wings, forward to the sun).

This is what attracted me to Yes and had held me on and off all these years. The live versions are powerful and inspiring.

ESD

vivafra

06-27-2005, 06:08 PM

I vote 7 because the central acoustic part is less clear than in the studio and because there is the Keys version that is very exciting.............the key solo is terrific!!!!

Yes2Yes

06-27-2005, 06:45 PM

To put it mildly...Brilliant!!!

ThePatman

07-02-2005, 03:29 PM

My favorite YES tune, but they don't play it when I go lol. The version on the 90... live video with Rabin going wild on the guitar is really a treat. Wakeman is the best though, I met him in Charlotte at his solo gig. I give it a 10... everytime. :headset:

Jm Sin

07-02-2005, 08:35 PM

Someday about a years ago, I went in to a barclub with a fellow from college, to see Yessongs on video, I have to be honest to tell that I just remember I've seen all good people and The Clap from this record, but Starship Trooper in Yes Album have all my thoughts.

MrZuLu

06-20-2006, 04:21 PM

Rick made this song out to be written exclusively for him!

the solo on YesSongs is STUNNING to say the least

Hex

06-24-2006, 05:35 AM

This version is my absolute favorite of Trooper, to the point that all other recorded versions sound "wrong" to me.

Absolutely agree.

I gave it a 10 for the sheer quality and force of the performance. I try not to get hung up on technical flaws and sound quality (as long as its good enough).

BEE

07-22-2006, 12:40 AM

Like Bo Derek, also in 1972, a Perfect 1O

Has anyone ever noticed or discussed how different the lyrics to "Life Seeker" on this live version are? It is very different,unique and interesting....Check it out!....I have written the original lyrics and (then what I hear different like this).....You may hear something a bit different!

Starship Trooper
a) Life Seeker

Sister Bluebird flying high above,

Shine your wings forward to the sun,

Hide the mysteries of life on your way(Hold the knowledge of life on your way)

Though you've seen them,please dont say a word.(Though youve seen there, please dont tell a soul)

What you dont know,I have never heard.(What you cant see,can be very hard)

Starship trooper,go sailing on by,

Catch my soul,catch the very light.(Spread my wings,warmer to the sky)

Hide the moment from my eager eye.(Time to search and heed the final day)

Though you've seen them,please dont tell a soul.(Though you've seen there,please dont say a word).

What you cant see,cant be very whole.(What I cant hear,I have yet to share)

Speak to me of summer,long winters longer than time can remember,
The setting up of other roads,to travel on in old accustomed ways.
I still remember the talks by the water,the proud sons and daughter that,
Knew the knowledge of the land,that spoke to me in sweet accustomed ways.

Mother life,hold firmly on to me.(Mother Earth,hold firmly on to me)

Catch my knowledge higher than the day.(Spread my knowledge,higher into
view)

Love as much as only you can show.(Release as much as only you can show)

Though youve seen them,please dont say a word.(Though youve seen me,please dont tell a soul)

What I dont know,I have never shared.(What I cant see,can be very hard)

BrianD

07-22-2006, 12:45 AM

As far as I can tell, the Starship Trooper on Yessongs was the first time that Yes were known to have played the song live - now of course setlists from that era are not known for all concerts but it is true that ST only became a regular feature on the CTTE tour.

So it is interesting that so many of us marvel at this version - it may well be that apart from rehearsals, this was the first time Rick played the song!

Fulcrum

08-13-2006, 01:27 PM

This track was actually my introduction to Yes. It was included on a Warner Brothers Special Products (remember those?) anthology called Superstars of the 70s-- the last track. I was just becoming aware of Emerson Lake & Palmer and King Crimson, and had heard about these guys. I approached with an open mind-- and propmptly had my head tore off by Wakeman's Minimoog.

That was, as they say, the start of a long and beautiful friendship. As I have only ever heard the Yessongs version, the Yes Album version, and a verison from the Big Generator tour, for my money Yessongs easily outdistances all others I've heard.